Anyone else have those days where things don’t seem to go right? I mean who hasn’t slept through an alarm, or had their car defroster not work, just to find out you get to stay an extra hour and a half at work. Well that was my morning. Now, my schedule is constantly changing and I understand that shit happens and we just need to make the most of it. Today I got to do a 7:30-11 and then go back from 1-6. So, during this break of mine, rather than be upset about all the things that went wrong this morning and how stressful work was, I decided to change it. I can’t change the past but I can change the here and now. The first thing that came to my mind was to make a list of all the good things that had happened today.
- I managed to stick a bagel in my pocket before running out the door.
- I have an extremely short commute
- I didn’t get into an accident although I couldn’t see clearly out my windows.
- I got an extra hour and a half of work… money makes me happy.
- I get this extended break to go home, let my pup out and have a decent lunch.
now that I’ve taken all the negatives and turned them into positives I’d like to share a few ideas that may help you de-stress as well.
- Take a deep breath, it’s gonna be okay
- Try some yoga, or if you’re like me and don’t know yoga just stretch
- Play with a pet
- Journal, blog, write it down in a diary. Get it out of your mind and onto some paper
- Use some oil diffusers, I’m literally using lavender in my dehumidifier right now
- Make yourself your favorite healthy snack so you can have as much as you want
- Make yourself your favorite drink, preferably nonalcoholic. Best not to start a bad habit there. So, example: hot cocoa, lemonade, tea, smoothie or milkshake
- Disconnect, turn off your phone or any other electronic devices
- Be active! Anything to get your blood pumping
- Get some fresh air, go for a walk or run if you’re into that. Heck, lay out in the sun and get some vitamin D
- Work in or visit a garden
- Craft away! I personally love to crochet
- Do a puzzle
- Read a book
- Watch a movie or tv show
- Cook a fabulous meal
- Talk it out, call a friend or family member. Even reach out to a professional if necessary
- Color in one of those stress-free coloring books
- Listen to some of your favorite music and start dancing!
- Cleaning, or house chores to keep your mind busy. Cleansing your house can cleanse your mind.
- Take a shower or a bath
- Volunteer somewhere
- Try something new: a sport, hobby, craft
- Make some lists of the things your thankful for, of the things you love, of the people who love you
- Make a list of dreams and steps to getting there